🌱 Webinar Recap: Smart Regional Spaces – Ready, Set, Go!
Regional councils face unique challenges when it comes to adopting smart technologies. That’s why PLA NSW/ACT hosted our latest webinar with Associate Professor Nancy Marshall PhD MPIA, exploring how digital tools can be customised to support communities outside metropolitan areas.
Developed in collaboration with Lithgow, Parkes and Armidale Councils, the Smart Regional Spaces project provides practical, free resources to help councils manage and monitor public spaces more effectively.
💡 Smart Thinking for Regional Councils
The conversation highlighted how technology and tailored strategies can unlock new opportunities for local government. Key takeaways included:
- Defining “smart” in regional terms – not just about sensors and apps, but about solving real problems councils face every day.
- Equitable digital inclusion – ensuring regional communities aren’t left behind in the smart cities movement.
- Practical tools for councils – from the Smart Readiness Tool to the Smart Places Strategy Template, designed to be useful and adaptable.
- Lessons from pilot councils – how Lithgow, Parkes and Armidale identified challenges, built shared understanding across departments, and turned strategy into action.
- Global perspective – international experts are now turning their attention to rural NSW, creating broader opportunities and knowledge exchange.
🛠️ Real-World Impact
Since launch, the Smart Regional Spaces platform has already reached over 1,800 active users in 50 countries, showing the growing demand for smart, regional-first approaches.
📺 Watch the Webinar
PLA members can now access the full recording in the MEMBER ONLY page, with public access to follow soon.
👉 Explore free resources at: www.smartregionalspaces.net.au